Philosophy Archives

Overview of Derren Brown’s Book Happy

Looking for an overview of Derren Brown’s book Happy? What is the author’s key advice about understanding and obtaining happiness? Derren Brown suggests that the answers to happiness can be found in the teachings of the ancient Greek philosophers, like the Stoics and Epicureans. In his book Happy, Derren Brown says that by adopting this kind of philosophy, we can lead thoughtful, balanced, and more well-rounded lives. Read on for an overview of Derren Brown’s book Happy to learn the fundamental ideas of the book.

Human Progress: Steven Pinker Explains What It Means

What is human progress? Can it be defined objectively? What’s “better”? Psychologist Steven Pinker believes that humanity is on the path of progress. But, exactly what that means can be hard to pin down. He tackles the definition in his book Enlightenment Now. Keep reading to learn what human progress is, according to Pinker.

Enlightenment Values: The Driving Forces of Progress?

What are Enlightenment values? How are they relevant today? In his book Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker provides statistics to show that life has improved over time, all around the world. And he says the driving forces of this progress are reason, science, and humanism—values that are derived from the European Enlightenment. Continue reading to learn more about these Enlightenment values from Pinker’s perspective.

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: Overview & Takeaways

What do Stoics believe? Perhaps more importantly, how do they live on a day-to-day basis? The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman is presented as a daily devotional to share insights from the ancient Stoic philosophers on how to live a good life. They explain that Stoicism isn’t merely a set of beliefs—it’s a way of life. Read more for our overview of The Daily Stoic, including an exercise designed to help you put Stoic principles into practice today.

Thinking About Death: Why the Stoics Recommended It

Do you consider your mortality? Is thinking about death a good idea or a bad one? The Stoic philosophers thought it wise to think about death. They believed that considering life’s brevity has a way of getting us to focus on what matters most. In The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman share insights from the ancient Stoics like this that help us put things into perspective. Keep reading to learn more about this bit of Stoic wisdom, along with some analysis of their ideas.

Humility and Kindness: Following the Stoic Path to Wisdom

How does pride relate to suffering? Why should you be kind to others? In The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman explain that the Stoic philosophers advocated humility and kindness. The Stoics saw these qualities as a key to living wisely, which they believed was required for life’s ultimate goal—living virtuously. Continue reading to understand why the Stoics valued humility and kindness.

Take Life as It Comes: Wisdom From the Stoics

Do you wish things were different? Do you hang on tightly to possessions that could be gone tomorrow? The Stoic philosophers tried to manage their lives wisely. Wisdom entails applying good judgment to the way you live life so that you can stay focused on living virtuously (the ultimate goal). An attitude of taking life as it comes is part and parcel of living wisely. Read on to learn how to take life as it comes, the Stoic way.

The Importance of Perseverance: The Stoic Devotion to Life

Are you committed to lifelong improvement? Do you consider that others depend on you to do your part in this world? The Stoics were all about living a virtuous life, and they saw it as a marathon, not a sprint. Because of this, they emphasized the importance of perseverance. You must make a commitment to living virtuously and then stick with it. Continue reading to understand the Stoic view of perseverance.

How to Handle Disappointments: Respond Like a Stoic

How do you respond when things go wrong? How should you feel, and what should you do? The Stoic philosophers taught that we should pursue virtuous living. They recognized, though, that we will inevitably suffer setbacks on that journey. In The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman share the Stoics’ advice for dealing with life’s setbacks. Continue reading to learn how to handle disappointments the Stoic way.

Live in the Real World: Sage Advice From the Stoics

Do you embrace life with all of its flaws, or do you pretend they aren’t there? Are you practical, or are you fanciful? Philosophers might be accused of living in abstraction, pontificating on life while detached from its realities. The Stoics, though, believed that life isn’t something you just talk about; it’s meant to be lived in stark reality. Read more to learn how the Stoics urge us to live in the real world.